Super Duty Short Bed Extended Cab Pickup

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Review

2009
Ford
F-350 Review

Muscular work capacity and an array of user-friendly features.

Reviewed by Automotive on
5/10/2009

Overview

Many consider the 2009 Ford F-350 to be the company’s ultimate creation in the pickup segment, courtesy of the up-market features, like the dual rear-wheel setup, commonly known as the ""dually,"" which vastly improves stability while towing. In 2008, Ford incorporated several major improvements into the F-350. These include a sturdier frame, a luxurious and more functional cabin, and a revised suspension for improving the pickup’s stability while hauling a trailer. The automaker also improved the look of the 2009 model.

What's New

For the 2009 model year, the Ford F-350 pickup truck comes with several new functional features. These include power telescoping tow mirrors and a Sync multimedia voice control mechanism. Additionally, it offers a host of other options, such as an on-dashboard computer with Internet access, and a lockable large compartment between the bed and the cab for those who have to work from their trucks. On the opposite end of the spectrum sits the brand new Cabela package that treats pickup enthusiasts to a fancy paint scheme, emblems, and cabin upgrades.

Exterior

The exterior of the pickup sports a well-finished body.

The 2009 Ford F-350 comes in four trim levels. These include the basic XL, the midlevel XLT, the off-road-oriented FX4, and the luxurious Lariat. The regular cabs, however, are only available in the XLT and XL variants.

For those who only need a basic work truck, the XL offers your best bet. The vehicle comes with an FM/AM radio, plain vinyl upholstery, air-conditioning, manual trailer-tow mirrors, and 17-inch wheels. The XLT variant has keyless entry, chrome wheels, heated and power trailer tow mirrors, a privacy glass, an integrated trailer-brake control system, a CD player with an auxiliary audio input jack, cloth upholstery, a 40/20/40 bench, full-power accessories, and cruise control.

The FX4 variant contains upgraded off-road hardware. This includes heavy-duty shock absorbers, skid plates, manual-shift transfer case, and a limited-slip rear axle. The variant also has a power driver’s seat, a front bucket seat, folding and power telescoping mirrors, and satellite radio.

The Lariat version features leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, a power-sliding rear window, heated and dual-power front seats, running boards, a Sync multimedia voice-controlled system, and automatic dual-zone climate control. Many of the extra features of the Lariat trim can be incorporated into the FX4 version by way of available optional packages.

Interior

The rugged and industrial theme has become a hallmark of the vehicle. Superior-quality materials spruce up the cabin. The chrome accent surrounds the air vents and gauges, while the center stack consists of easy-to-reach controls. The massive center console/armrest and the dual door pockets offer generous in-cabin storage space. In the crew cab variant, the foldable back seats can reveal a flip-out utility tray that helps keep the load floor flat.

Performance & Handling

The Ford F-350 offers three engine choices for the 2009 Super Duty pickup truck. These include the 5.4-liter V-8 version that generates 300 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 6.8-liter V-10 engine that generates 362 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. However, the 6.4-liter V-8 engine remains the most popular choice. Ford recommends this engine for those who want to indulge in some serious towing and hauling; it generates 350 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Buyers choose their transmissions irrespective of the engine (either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual system). Buyers also get to select either four-wheel or two-wheel drive.

When properly equipped, the 2009 Ford F-350 Super Duty can tow over 15,000 pounds. It can also handle 5,700 pounds of payload.

Safety

The anti-lock disc brakes come as standard equipment on the vehicle, but none of the trims offer side curtain airbags. Power-adjustable pedals provide an option for the Lariat and XLT versions (both of which come equipped with an automatic transmission), as do the rear-parking sensors.